Monte, 67, passed away on Friday, October 4th at his home while surrounded by his loved ones, following a courageous 5 ½ year battle with cancer.

Monte Dean Mikkelsen, a son of Ronald and Bette Mikkelsen, was born on November 14, 1956 in Langdon, ND.  He was raised in Langdon and received his primary education at the Catholic school and his high school years at the Public School.   Monte began his early career while working alongside his brother Gene at Stansbury Coal in Rock Springs, WY and then in the uranium mines of Falls City, TX.   In 1980, Monte moved back to his hometown and began working with his dad and brothers at Mikkelsen Bros. In the summer of 1980, he met his soulmate Darla and married her on March 17, 1986 in Las Vegas, NV. They relocated to Bottineau, ND in 1989 where he bought an aggregate company and established Mikkelsen Aggregates.  Monte owned and operated the business until his retirement in 2015.

Monte's life was marked by his hardworking nature, kindness, and generosity, traits that endeared him to many.  He was a loving father, and his three daughters were a source of love and great pride for him.  Monte was a cherished Papa to his 9 grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face.  His commitment to his community was evident through his roles on the State Bank of Bottineau board, the city council, and his years spent as a volunteer fire fighter.  Monte was always striving to support the community, whether it was in his personal life or professional life, by frequently donating to local organizations, and as often as he could, shopping local to support small town businesses.  He had many hobbies and interests including hunting, fishing, golfing, ATV riding, and snowmobiling.  Monte enjoyed spending time with his friends and family doing his favorite things, whether it be Men's golf on Wednesday or poker on Thursday nights at the Shack.  His love of travel often took him on many hunting/fishing trips as well as various countries around the world.  He always looked forward to their winters in Arizona, where he would enjoy the warm weather, golf with his buddies, go to concerts, ATV ride, and spend time with family.  Monte will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his work, and his community.

Monte is survived by his wife of 38 years, Darla of Bottineau; daughters: Janna (Kurt) Carpenter, Jessica (Steven) Johnson, and Brittany (Logan) Metcalfe all of Bottineau; Grandchildren: Shaela, Zoey, Connor, Axton, Brock, Gunnar, Baylor, Jemma, and Lachlan; Mom: Bette Mikkelsen of Langdon, ND; Siblings: Randy (Phyllis) Mikkelsen of Langdon, ND, Gene (Deb) Mikkelsen of Rock Springs, WY; Marla Zeis, Kent (Carol) Mikkelsen, Kevin (Karrie) Mikkelsen, and Michele Mikkelsen all of Langdon, ND; Mother-in-laws: Sharon Lorenz and Vicki Lorenz of Bottineau; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Monte was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Mikkelsen and his father-in-law, Butch Lorenz.

A service to honor Monte's life will be held at St. Marks Catholic Church in Bottineau, ND on October 10th at 2:00 pm with fellowship to follow at the Cobblestone Inn.